"Daily Poppins has an excellent support structure"

Jo Pope and Anne Wharton

With their monthly turnover doubled to £14,500, Daily Poppins franchise owners Jo Pope and her mother Anne Wharton have invested in a second territory and are working towards an annual turnover of £240,000.

"My mum and I decided to run a business together because we have different strengths that complement each other," explains Jo. "I was aware of the benefits of franchising through studying for my business degree and I thought it would be a great way for my mum and I to become our own bosses using a tried and tested formula.

"I needed a business which I could run from home alongside looking after my two young children and management franchise Daily Poppins fitted my requirements. Daily Poppins has a strong brand image and an excellent support structure in place, which we felt would help us get off to a good start. To prepare us for the launch of our franchise we attended a two-day intensive training course in Reading. This covered all aspects of the business such as the software package and staffing to the cleaning system used.

"We launched our Exeter-based franchise in July 2008 and now have four cars on the road, which service two territories: Exeter and Taunton. Our sustained growth and ability to expand into a second territory in July demonstrates the fact that Daily Poppins is a recession-proof concept. Having your home professionally cleaned is not considered a luxury service anymore, if anything it is more of an essential service for dual-income families who want to be able to spend quality time together.

"Once we hit £240,000 we plan to get a fifth car on the road and will consider moving the business from my mum's house into a commercial office. Running your own business is very rewarding - I enjoy interacting with the customers, being able to provide a quality service and of course, the financial benefits!"

Reported by Jess Sturman